ellaslist Reviews: Planning a Family Staycation? Here’s Why The Hyatt Regency Sydney Delivers

As the school holidays were coming to an end, so too was the brief reprieve from the chaos of packed lunches, school drop-offs, and nightly homework negotiations.

Sensing the back-to-school countdown looming, my family and I escaped for one last hurrah at Hyatt Regency Sydney - and here's what we thought.

ellaslist Reviews: Planning a Family Staycation? Here’s Why The Hyatt Regency Sydney Delivers

Our family of five set off for a much-needed staycation at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. And what a dreamy weekend it turned out to be! It felt like we had pressed pause on real life and stepped into a little pocket of holiday bliss, all without leaving the city.

Location, Location, Location…

 

You simply can’t beat it. The Hyatt sits right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD on Sussex Street, and through its rear doors, you're magically transported straight into the buzz and beauty of Darling Harbour. We were quite literally steps away from the Merlin attractions, including SEA LIFE Aquarium - a massive win when travelling with little legs and short attention spans.

Turn left and you’ll find family favourites like the revamped Darling Harbour playground, the carousel (a hit with our youngest), fantastic restaurants, and the peaceful Chinese Gardens.

Turn right, and Barangaroo awaits with its vibrant waterfront charm. And for those driving in, the convenience continues - there’s a Wilson Carpark right across the road. Stress-free from the very start!

First Impressions & Check-In Warmth

From the moment we stepped into the expansive, light-filled foyer of the Hyatt Regency Sydney, we knew we were somewhere special. The design is elegant yet inviting, stylish, but not at all stuffy.

What really made us smile, though, was the warm welcome from the Hyatt Kids Concierge. The children were greeted like VIPs and handed adorable goodie bags filled with colouring activities, snacks, and even a classic yo-yo. A choc-top ice cream? Yes, please! It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture that instantly made them feel part of the adventure. Please note: Hyatt Kids Concierge is only available during the school holidays.

Room with The View

Words almost fail to capture the moment we walked into our room. Before we even unpacked, we stood there in awe, soaking in what might just be the most stunning view of Darling Harbour we’ve ever seen! The sun glinted off the water, and the skyline shimmered - it was like a postcard had come to life right outside our window.

The room itself was perfectly tailored for families. The kids were thrilled to discover their own pint-sized dressing gowns and slippers - cuteness overload! And waiting for the grown-ups? A chilled bottle of bubbles and a fresh fruit platter that said, "Relax. You're on holiday now." Ahh.. the little touches made a big impression!

City Adventures & Sunset Sips

With the sunshine beaming down, we set off to explore our beautiful backyard. We wandered past the carousel, let the kids burn energy in the playground, and meandered through the serene Chinese Gardens, all while taking mental snapshots of this simple, joyful time together.

After a refreshment stop, we returned to the hotel for a pre-dinner drink at Zephyr Bar, which has the kind of views that make you exhale in pure contentment.

Families, take note: kids are welcome here until 6 pm!

The hotel’s dining options are equally impressive. Both Sailmaker and Jackalberry offer delicious, high-quality meals in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. We didn’t feel the need to venture anywhere else — dinner, ambience, and service were all spot on.

Fireworks in Fluffy Robes

The kids were counting down the minutes to 8:30 pm, and as the moment approached, they scurried into their robes and slippers, giggling with excitement. We dimmed the lights, pressed our noses to the glass, and watched the fireworks explode over Darling Harbour. It was pure magic — a sparkling, joy-filled moment that the kids are still talking about!

With full bellies and full hearts, we snuggled into the cloud-soft beds for the most restful night we've had in ages!

Breakfast Goals

Let me just say: Sailmaker buffet breakfast is next-level. Whether you’re after wellness-friendly smoothies, indulgent pastries, or a classic Aussie hot breakfast, it’s all here - and then some.

The kids loved the variety (special mention to the croissants), and I think my youngest ate half a wheel of camembert! We appreciated the thoughtful touches, including fresh fruit juices and even Champagne for those wanting to toast the morning in style.

Will We Be Back?

Without a doubt. Hyatt Regency Sydney strikes that delicate balance between luxury and relaxed family comfort. It gave us the space to reconnect, to laugh, to slow down, and to make memories that will stay with us long after the bags are unpacked again.

From start to finish, it felt like the kind of weekend that fills your cup. We couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Hyatt Regency Sydney is at 161 Sussex St, Sydney, opposite the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Darling Harbour.

Book now at Hyatt Regency Sydney.

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